Interface systems for portable digital media storage and playback devices

ABSTRACT

A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to accessories for portable digital media storageand playback devices used for on-line downloading, storing and playingdigital media files such as, for example, MP3 (i.e., MPEG-1 audio layer3) audio, WMA (Windows Media Audio) audio, MPEG-4 multimedia, andQuickTime multimedia files. More specifically, the invention relates invarious aspects to a multi-function docking assembly, preferablyremotely controllable, providing any of the following functions: signaltransmission, signal relaying, remote control, remote video interface,power supply and/or charging, and authentication for portable digitalmedia storage and playback devices, and methods pertaining to the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Media players of various types are ubiquitous throughout the world, andhave evolved through various forms over the years, from portable singletransistor radios in the 1950's to tape cassette players, to compactdisc players, and more recently to portable digital media storage andplayback devices that enable a user to obtain digital media files (e.g.,by download from an Internet site) and store same in storage medium of aplayer in any of various preferably compressed formats for subsequentselective playback.

Preferred digital media storage and playback devices utilize hard drivesand/or flash memory to store digital media files. A number of digitalmedia storage and playback devices have been developed and arecommercially available, including: the iPod® family of productsmanufactured by Apple Computer, Inc.; the iRiver® family of productsmanufactured by iRiver Inc.; the Nomad™, Zen™ and MuVo® families ofproducts manufactured by Creative Technology, Ltd.; the Rio® family ofproducts manufactured by Digital Networks North America, Inc.; the DJ™family of products manufactured by Dell Computer, Inc.; the Lyra® familyof products manufactured by RCA/Thomson Multimedia, Inc.; and the Yepp'®and neXus™ families of products manufactured by Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd. Such devices having varying capacities but models permitting thestorage of approximately 1000 or more commercial play length audio filesare commonplace. Substantial memory capacity may be provided by thepresence of a hard disk and/or flash memory, with certain modelsenabling the removal of flash memory cards in formats such as SecureDigital or Compact Flash. Digital media storage and playback devicemodels having sophisticated displays are further able to store andplayback image and/or video files.

Media storage and playback devices of the aforementioned type rely onbatteries for their portability, and are typically provided with aheadphones jack to which headphones may be connected to provide personalentertainment.

One problem associated with the small size and light-weightcharacteristics of portable digital media storage and playback (“PDMSP”)devices, as requisite to their portability and ease of use, is batterylife. Another problem is the personal character of theheadphone-equipped PDMSP devices. A PDMSP device may be equipped with avideo display and a speaker, but its small size and light-weightcharacteristics limit the size of the display and speaker, making itless than desirable when a user seeks to transmit audio or video fromthe PDMSP device to a group of persons, such as in a room or in thepassenger compartment of a passenger vehicle.

Another limitation associated with conventional PDMSP devices is theirreliance on personal computers as a primary interface for loading,purchasing, and organizing media files. Aside from the expense attendantto personal computers, such devices are often tailored for and stationedin rooms designated for work—such as offices—and may be difficult tointegrate with multimedia (e.g., television, audio, and communication)entertainment devices tailored for and stationed in rooms designated forrecreation—such as living rooms or home theaters. An owner of a personalcomputer may desire to unwind by purchasing or organizing multimediafiles for storage and viewing on a PDMSP device, yet avoid the processaltogether so as to avoid the temptation to check email messages as theyarrive to the computer. Additionally, furnishings in entertainment roomssuch as living rooms and home theaters usually are substantially moreinviting and comfortable than office chairs. Thus, a highly functionalaccessory device for interfacing with PDMSP devices, with such accessorybeing suitable for use in entertainment rooms and not requiring use of apersonal computer, would be desirable.

Yet another limitation associated with conventional PDMSP devices istheir absorptive entertainment quality, leading to the occasionaldifficulty of alerting the user to potentially important interruptionssuch as telephone calls. It would be desirable to provide an accessorydevice capable of alerting a PDMSP user to the existence of a potentialinterruption such as an incoming telephone call, of permitting the userto rapidly determine whether to receive the incoming call, and toconveniently initiate acceptance of the call while pausing or mutingmedia playback to minimize conversational distraction.

Various accessories have been developed for use with PDMSP devices. Formanufacturers and purchasers of PDMSP devices, it would be desirable toensure and/or regulate interoperability between such devices andaccessories intended to connect therewith. For example, the originalequipment manufacturer (OEM) of a PDMSP device may wish to avoidwarranty claims and/or reputational damage that might result due tooperating problems or hardware failures (e.g., inferior sound quality,battery overcharging, etc.) when the PDMSP device is connected with anaccessory device of questionable quality sourced by a supplier ofunknown repute. It may be difficult for an end user to determine thequality of an accessory device without purchasing the accessory andpossibly learning “the hard way,” i.e., through failure of the accessoryor damage to the PDMSP device. Additionally, or alternatively, the PDMSPdevice OEM may wish to regulate the interoperability of accessories withthe PDMSP device to derive additional revenue by producing accessoriesitself or by licensing to third parties the right to produce suchaccessories. Restricting by license the availability to preferred thirdparty accessory manufacturers of proprietary interface components suchas connectors can provide some degree of control to PSMSP device OEMs inthis regard; however, such tactics may be circumvented by unlicensedparties with relative ease by copying such interface connectors.

Accordingly, there exists a need for improved accessories for use withportable digital media storage and playback devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a docking assembly adapted for usein interfacing (1) a portable digital media storage and playback devicehaving a first display element with (2) an audio and video reproductionsystem having a television-compatible second display element and a firstaudio amplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, comprises: anelectrical coupling adapted to engage the portable digital media storageand playback device; a microprocessor adapted to communicate with theportable digital media storage and playback device through theelectrical coupling; a remote control receiver adapted to receive aninput signal from a wireless remote controller device and to provide anoutput signal to the microprocessor; an audio output port adapted tocommunicate an audio signal to the first audio amplifier; a video outputport adapted to communicate a television-compatible video signal to thesecond display element; a video processor in communication with themicroprocessor, the video processor being adapted to communicate to thevideo output port a television-compatible video signal indicative of asignal received from the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice for display by the second display element; and a unitary bodystructure, wherein the electrical coupling, microprocessor, audio outputport, video output port, and video processor are disposed in or on theunitary body structure.

In another aspect of the invention, a docking assembly adapted for usein interfacing (1) a telephonic portable digital media storage andplayback device having a first display element with (2) a mediareproduction system having a first audio amplifier adapted to drive atleast one speaker, comprises: an electrical coupling adapted to engagethe portable digital media storage and playback device; a microprocessoradapted to communicate with the portable digital media storage andplayback device through the electrical coupling; a remote controlreceiver adapted to receive an input signal from a wireless remotecontroller device and provide an output signal to the microprocessor; anaudio output port adapted to communicate an audio signal to the firstaudio amplifier; and a telephone rebroadcast transceiver adapted towirelessly communicate telephonic signals between (a) the telephonicportable digital media storage and playback device, and (b) the remotecontroller device.

In another aspect of the invention, a docking assembly adapted for usein interfacing (1) a telephonic portable digital media storage andplayback device with (2) a media reproduction system having a firstaudio amplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, comprises: anelectrical coupling adapted to engage the portable digital media storageand playback device; a microprocessor adapted to communicate with theportable digital media storage and playback device through theelectrical coupling; a remote control receiver adapted to receive aninput signal from a wireless remote controller device and adapted toprovide an output signal to the microprocessor; an audio output portadapted to communicate an audio signal to the first audio amplifier; anda signal transmitter adapted to wirelessly communicate a signalindicative of a telephonic signal from the telephonic portable digitalmedia storage and playback device to the remote controller device.

In another aspect of the invention, a remote controller device adaptedto control any of a telephonic portable digital media storage device, amedia reproduction system, and a docking assembly adapted for use ininterfacing the telephonic portable digital media storage device withthe media reproduction system, comprises: a wireless signal receiveradapted to receive a telephonic signal from the docking assembly; aspeaker adapted to reproduce an audible signal indicative of thereceived telephonic signal; a voice transducer adapted to produce anelectrical vocal output signal; a first wireless signal transmittercommunicatively coupled to the voice transducer and adapted to transmita telephonic signal indicative of the electrical vocal output signal; asecond wireless signal transmitter adapted to provide a control signalto the docking assembly; and a charge storage element suitable toprovide electric power to any of the signal receiver, the speaker, thefirst signal transmitter, and the second signal transmitter.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for selecting a digitalmedia file for download or transfer includes the steps of: (A)communicatively coupling, via a remotely controllable docking assembly,(1) a portable digital media storage and playback device having a firstdisplay element, with (2) an audio and video reproduction system havinga television-compatible second display element and a first audioamplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, wherein the dockingassembly comprises (i) a video output port adapted to communicate atelevision-compatible video signal to the second display element, and(ii) a video processor adapted to communicate to the video output port atelevision-compatible video signal indicative of a signal received fromthe portable digital media storage and playback device for display bythe second display element, and wherein the docking assembly has anassociated remote controller; (B) identifying on the second displayelement information indicative of any of (1) a digital media file, and(2) a digital media file key, as available for download or transfer tothe portable digital media storage and playback device; and (C)selecting for download or transfer of any of the digital media file andthe digital media file key using the remote controller.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of selecting at least onedigital media file for addition to a playlist includes the steps of: (A)communicatively coupling, via a remotely controllable docking assembly,(1) a portable digital media storage and playback device having a firstdisplay element, with (2) an audio and video reproduction system havinga television-compatible second display element and a first audioamplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, wherein the dockingassembly comprises (i) a video output port adapted to communicate atelevision-compatible video signal to the second display element, and(ii) a video processor adapted to communicate to the video output port atelevision-compatible video signal indicative of a signal received fromthe portable digital media storage and playback device for display bythe second display element, and wherein the docking assembly has anassociated remote controller; (B) identifying on the second displayelement information indicative of at least one digital media file; and(C) selecting for addition to a playlist the at least one digital mediafile using the remote controller.

In another aspect of the invention, a docking assembly is coupleablewith a PDMSP device having an electrical coupling and an electricalcharge storage element, and the docking assembly comprises: (A) a bodyhaving a support element and an electrical connector, wherein thesupport element is adapted to receive at least a portion of the portabledigital media storage and playback device, and the electrical connectoris adapted to simultaneously engage the electrical coupling when the atleast a portion of the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice is received by the support element; (B) at least one electricalcircuit element adapted to conduct power from an external power sourceto the at least one electrical coupling for any of (1) powering theportable digital media storage and playback device, and (2) charging theelectrical charge storage element; and (C) at least one communicationelement adapted to communicate a signal indicative of digital mediacontent played by the portable digital media storage and playback deviceto a media signal reproduction system having an amplifier and at leastone speaker, wherein the media reproduction system is adapted toreproduce the signal indicative of digital media content inuser-perceptible form. Such embodiment may further include circuitryadapted to control operation of a user-perceptible display element.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the addition ofauthentication elements and steps to the foregoing devices and methods.

In another aspect of the invention, any of the foregoing aspects may becombined for additional advantage.

Other aspects, features and embodiments of the invention will be morefully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block schematic view of a docking assembly controllable viaa remote controller and adapted for use in interfacing a portabledigital media storage and playback device with an audio and videoreproduction system having a television-compatible display element, thecombination of elements comprising an entertainment system.

FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a telephonic portable digital mediastorage and playback device.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the telephonic portable digital mediastorage and playback device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a remote controller device for use with adocking assembly adapted to receive a telephonic portable digital mediastorage and playback device, the remote controller device having anintegral telephone relay transceiver, a microphone, and a speaker.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the remote controller device ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the remote controller device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a docking assembly controllable via awireless remote controller (such as the controller of FIGS. 4A-4B) andadapted for use in interfacing a portable digital media storage andplayback device (such as the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice of FIGS. 2A-2B) with an audio and video reproduction systemhaving a television-compatible display element.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the docking assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the docking assembly of FIGS. 5-6 havingdocked thereto the portable digital media storage and playback device ofFIGS. 2A-2B and the remote controller device of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for an authentication scheme thatmay be utilized by and between a remote controlled docking assemblyaccording to the present invention and a portable digital media storageand playback device.

FIG. 9A is a first screen shot taken from a television-compatibledisplay element receiving a signal from a docking assembly according tothe present invention and having a portable digital media storage devicedocked thereto, the first screen shot showing a welcome menu in acentral right portion of the screen.

FIG. 9B is a second screen shot taken from a television-compatibledisplay element receiving a signal from a docking assembly according tothe present invention and having a portable digital media storage devicedocked thereto, the second screen shot showing a digital media fileartist name, song title, album name, song play position, and song lengthinformation in an upper portion of the screen, and a settings menu in acentral right port of the screen.

FIG. 9C is a third screen shot taken from a television-compatibledisplay element receiving a signal from a docking assembly according tothe present invention and having a portable digital media storage devicedocked thereto, the third screen shot showing a music menu (inclusive ofplaylists, artists, albums, songs, genres, composers, and songbookssubmenus) in a central right port of the screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of various steps of a method employing a remotecontroller and a remotely controlled docking assembly as disclosedherein for purchasing digital media files and/or digital media file keysfor download or transfer to a portable digital media storage device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of various steps of a method employing a remotecontroller and a remotely controlled docking assembly as disclosedherein for creating, modifying, and storing playlists of digital mediafiles useable with a portable digital media storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

In certain aspects, the present invention provides a remote controlleddocking assembly for a portable digital media storage and playbackdevice that dramatically increases the utility of a portable digitalmedia storage and playback (PDMSP) device. A docking assembly accordingto the present invention preferably serves as a remotely controllableinterface between a PDMSP device and an audio and video reproductionsystem having a television-compatible display element without requiringthe use of a personal computer, while powering and/or charging the PDMSPdevice. The audio and video reproduction system, which may be disposedin a stationary (e.g., home) or vehicular environment, enables digitalmedia files such as any of music, photos, videos, games, and the like tobe reproduced in a form perceptible to many people. By migrating awayfrom a personal computer to an entertainment system as a primaryinterface for a PDMSP device, the appeal of a PDMSP device is greatlyexpanded not only for the primary user's sole enjoyment, but also forsharing the entertainment experience with groups of users.

Various embodiments provide additional capabilities such as, forexample, telephonic communication, remote controlled media file purchaseand organization, and device authentication capabilities. Still furtherfeatures provided in certain embodiments include wired or wirelessnetwork connectivity, interconnectivity with enhanced remote controlcomponents and remote controls for other media system devices, and videotelephony capabilities.

FIG. 1 illustrates an entertainment system 99 including a dockingassembly 10 remotely controllable via a remote controller (preferably awireless remote controller, although a wired remote controller may beused) and adapted for use in interfacing a portable digital mediastorage and playback (PDMSP) device 80 with an audio and videoreproduction system 2 having a television compatible display element 5,an (audio) amplifier 4, and at least one speaker 6. The PDMSP device 80has a battery or other charge storage element 81, and a first displayelement 82 that is typically a special purpose LCD display or a specialpurpose LED display. Signals communicated within the PDMSP device 80 fordisplay by the first display element 82 are typically formatted for aspecial purpose first display element 82, and such signals are typicallynot television-compatible. The PDMSP device 80 has an onboard memoryelement, such as a hard disk drive and/or flash memory, and ispreferably adapted to store and play back digital audio and video filesof various formats. The PDMSP device 80 preferably has at least oneelectrical connector (such as the connector 190 shown in FIG. 2B)adapted to provide an interface for powering and/or charging PDMSPdevice 80 as well as providing communication utility. Communicationbetween the PDMSP device 80 and the docking assembly 10 may also beprovided through a headphone or auxiliary input port 15 optionallyprovided in or on the docking assembly 10. Such auxiliary input port 15enables the docking assembly 10 to work with a wide variety of differentportable digital media storage and playback devices. In one embodiment,the auxiliary input port 15 comprises a 3.5 mm diameter female portadapted to receive both audio and video signals.

The docking assembly 10, which preferably comprises a unitary bodystructure (such as the body structure 210A illustrated in FIGS. 5-6) hasan associated remote controller 50 (preferably a wireless remotecontroller) with a battery or other charge storage element 51. Thedocking assembly 10 may include an internal or external antenna (notshown). If wireless, the remote controller 50 may be adapted to operateat any desirable frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example,a wireless remote controller 50 may include an infrared and/or a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter. Operable RF frequencies in one embodimentinclude a range from about 800 MHz to about 10 GHz. Any desirablefrequency suitable for wireless communication of the required bandwidthmay be used.

The docking assembly 10 has at least one electrical coupling 12 adaptedto mate with one or more corresponding connector(s) of the PDMSP device80, with the at least one electrical coupling optionally including oneor more coupling(s) adapted to mate with one or more correspondingconnector(s) of a wireless remote controller 50. The at least oneelectrical coupling 12 preferably includes at least one coupling adaptedto mate with the PDMSP device 80, and at least one coupling adapted tomate with a wireless remote controller 50. Any coupling of the at leastone coupling may protrude into or otherwise be disposed in a recess(e.g., recess 272 shown in FIG. 5) adapted to receive one of the PDMSPdevice 80 or the remote controller 50, or may be elevated (e.g., atop araised surface portion such as raised surface 271 shown in FIG. 5)relative to an upper surface (e.g., upper surface 211C shown in FIGS.5-6) of the docking assembly 10.

As illustrated, the docking assembly 10 includes a wireless remotereceiver 14, preferably disposed on an exposed front surface (e.g.,front surface 211A shown in FIGS. 5-7) of the docking assembly 10.(While it is preferred that the remonte controller 50 be wireless, ifsuch remote controller is a wired remote, then it is understood that thewireless remote receiver 14 may be omitted.) The docking assembly 10 mayfurther include a remote wireless receiver port 22 to which a secondaryremote wireless receiver 38 (e.g., a radio frequency or an infraredreceiver) may be communicatively coupled. Such a secondary remotewireless receiver 38 preferably operates at the same frequency orfrequency range as a wireless remote controller 50. If provided,positioning the secondary remote wireless receiver 38 insignal-receiving proximity to the remote controller 50 permits thedocking assembly 10 to be placed together with various media systemcomponents (e.g., the amplifier 4 and other associated components) inany convenient or aesthetically pleasing environment, such as in acabinet or closet not necessarily disposed in proximity to (or in alight of sight of) the wireless remote controller 50.

To provide enhanced remote control capability of, or communicationcapability with additional components, such as components associatedwith the audio and video reproduction system 2 (e.g., components suchas, but not limited to, the amplifier 4 and various media player devicessuch as a CD or DVD changer) or a personal computer, the dockingassembly 10 may further include a wired remote port 23 permittingcommunications with a various other media system devices 39. The wiredremote port 23 preferably provides a serial interface. For example, thewired remote port 23 may permit communications with other media orcomputing devices according to the EIA232 (formerly RS-232) standard anddisposed remotely relative to the docking assembly 10. Othercommunication protocols may be employed as will be readily apparent toone skilled in the art. Utilization of the wired remote port 23interconnected with other independently controllable media systemdevice(s) 39 may permit at least certain functions of the dockingassembly 10 to be controlled with a wireless remote controller otherthan the wireless remote controller 50 specifically adapted for use withthe docking assembly 10.

Communication between the docking assembly 10 and various data or medianetworks 40 may be provided by wired or wireless means. For example, thedocking assembly 10 may include at least one (wired) port 25 preferablyhaving an appropriate cable terminator and any filter or electroniccommunication equipment (e.g., modem, multiplexer, transceiver and/ortransducer) appropriate to the cable and communication standardemployed. In one embodiment, the port 25 is adapted for Ethernet, FastEthernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or 10-Gigabit Ethernet, or other computingdevice standard communication protocol for use with a telecommunicationsnetwork 40 that preferably includes connectivity to a distributednetwork such as the World Wide Web and the Internet. In anotherembodiment, the port 25 includes a coaxial cable receptacle and cablemodem, or fiber optic receptacle and multiplexer/demultiplexer, and isadapted for use with a computing or media network, such as a two-waymedia network of a cable or satellite telecommunication (e.g.,television) provider. In still another embodiment, the port 25 includesa telephonic cable receptacle and telephonic modem and/or directsubscriber line (DSL) modem to enable communication with a wiredtelephonic communication network.

In certain embodiment, the docking assembly 10 may include an integralwireless network transceiver 19 adapted for communicating with awireless network 41 that may be connectable to the Internet and/or WorldWide Web. The wireless network 41 may include a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN), such as an IEEE 802.16-compliant (WiMax) network, IEEE802.11-complaint (Wi-Fi) network, an IEEE 802.15.1-compliant (Bluetooth)network, or similar or equivalent networks, such as to permit free orpaid transfer of digital media files, digital media file keys, and thelike, between a network and the PDMSP device 80 docked with the dockingassembly 10, or between a network and a memory element 44 (e.g., a NANDor other flash memory) associated with the docking assembly 10. Such anetwork 41 may further include capability to stream stored digital mediacontent played by the PDMSP device 80 (i.e., when docked to the dockingassembly 10) over the network 41 to a network-connectable remote device(not shown) having an associated audio and/or video reproduction system.For example, a PDMSP device 80 may be docked with the docking assembly80 in a first location in a first room within a particular facility(e.g., a home or office) having a first audio and video reproductionsystem receiving media content from the PDMSP device via the audioand/or video ports 30, 32, 33 locally disposed at the docking assembly10, while media content is simultaneously broadcast via the wirelessnetwork transceiver 19 and the network 41 to an appropriate receivingdevice (not shown) disposed in a second room of the facility, outsidethe facility, or even in a remote facility, for reproduction via asecond audio and video reproduction system (not shown). The dockingassembly 10 may include an internal or external antenna (not shown)adapted for use with the wireless network transceiver 19. As analternative to including an integral wireless transceiver 19, the wirednetwork port 25 may be adapted to connect with a separate wirelesstransceiver (not shown) providing the same or equivalent wirelesscommunication capability.

The docking assembly 10 may further include a Universal Serial Bus (USB)port 25 to enable connection with other USB-enabled networks (e.g.,network 40) or USB-enabled devices including personal computers or othernetwork appliances (not shown). The USB port may be configured todisplay the docking assembly and/or any PDMSP device 80 docked theretoas a network drive, and enable transfer of media files, data, andoperable programs or applications between the PDMSP device 80 and aninterconnected personal computer or network appliance (not shown). TheUSB port 25 may further be used, for example, to enable configuration,updating, or troubleshooting of the docking assembly 10 with aperipheral device such as personal computer, PDA, or dedicateddiagnostic device (not shown).

In one embodiment, the docking assembly 10 includes a wireless telephonetransceiver 18 adapted to rebroadcast telephonic signals between atelephone-enabled remote device (e.g., the telephonic remote controller150 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A-4B) and a telephonic PDMSP device(such as the telephonic PDMSP device 180 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B.)Such a telephonic PDMSP device preferably includes wireless (e.g.,cellular) telephone capability and is adapted to execute any of variousconventional portable telephone functions such as sending or receivingtelephone calls, sending or receiving data such as email or textmessages, connecting to wireless data networks, and the like. The term“rebroadcast” in the context of the wireless telephone transceiver 18refers to the capability to retransmit or otherwise relay incomingtelephonic signals from a telephonic PDMSP device to a wirelesstelephonic device (e.g., the telephonic remote controller 150) and tosimilarly receive incoming signals from the wireless telephonic devicefor forwarding to a transmitter portion of the telephonic PDMSP device.The wireless telephone (rebroadcast) transceiver 18 associated with thedocking assembly 10 preferably operates at the same frequency orfrequencies as the telephone transceiver 158 associated with atelephonic remote controller device (e.g., the device 150). Any suitablefrequency range may be used, whether analog or digital, and whetherfixed frequency or spread spectrum. Preferably, such transceivers 18,158 operate at a frequency range of from about 800 MHz to about 10 GHz,specifically including the frequencies of any of 900 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.8 GHz. The term “transceiver” in this context refers to anycombination of transmitter and receiver present in the same device(e.g., PDMSP device or remote controller device), whether or not suchcomponents are integrated at the microchip level. The wireless telephonetransceiver 18 associated with the docking assembly 10 thus transfersuser input and output telephonic functions in a seamless fashion fromthe telephonic PDMSP device (e.g., PDMSP device 180) to atelephone-enabled remote device (e.g., the telephonic remote controller150) while the PDMSP device is docked with the docking assembly 10, withsignals between the PDMSP device and docking assembly 10 preferablybeing routed through the at least one electrical coupling 12 and matedconnector 180. Such telephonic function transfer provides substantialconvenience to the user, since the PDMSP device need not be retrievedand undocked from the docking assembly 10 to screen, send, and/orreceive audio or data communications.

Preferably, telephonic signals communicated by the telephone rebroadcasttransceiver 18 to the telephonic remote device (e.g., the device 150)include notification signals and caller identification informationsufficient to notify the user of the existence of an incoming call andto provide some identification of the caller, so as to enable the userto assess whether to accept the incoming call. The telephonic remotedevice, which preferably includes a display (e.g., the display 152illustrated in FIG. 3), preferably includes at least one communication(e.g., call) notification elements. A communication notification elementmay provide any user-perceptible notification signal, and may providevisible notification, audible notification, and/or vibratory or othertactile notification of an incoming or received (and stored)communication such as a telephone call, text message, email message,video message, video conference invitation, digital media file, or thelike. Visible notification may be provided via any of the display 152(or a portion thereof) and a dedicated LED 156 (as illustrated in FIG.3) or any other appropriate visible notification element. Audiblenotification may be provided by the speaker 166 (as illustrated in FIG.3) or a dedicated audible notification element such as a ringer. Uponnotification of an incoming call, the user may elect to receive the callby activating a user input element 157. The user may further utilize auser input 157 to optionally pause or mute playback of any digital mediastored in the PDMSP device at the time a call is placed or received.

Preferably, digital media files may be played by, or stored to, atelephonic PDMSP device while the telephonic PDMSP device (e.g., device180) is sending or receiving telephonic signals (i.e., enabling the userto engage in a telephone call) and the docking assembly 10 issimultaneously engaged in rebroadcast communication of telephonicsignals between PDMSP and a remote telephonic device (e.g., remotecontroller device 150).

In a preferred embodiment, the wireless telephone transceiver 18 isdistinct from the wireless remote receiver 14, with such elementsoperating at different frequencies, to permit telephonic and remotecontrol functions to be performed independently from one another. Inanother embodiment, the wireless remote receiver 14 may be integratedwith the wireless telephone transceiver 18 (or at least a receiverportion thereof), with the telephonic and remote control functionsutilizing a common frequency range. Such embodiment may promoteeconomies of cost and size in the docking assembly 10 and the telephonicremote controller 150 (as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A-4B).

A camera port 26 may be provided in the docking assembly 10 to permitinterconnection of a camera device 42, such as may be useful for videotelephony and/or to capture video footage of an event for recordation inthe PDMSP device 80 and/or a memory device 44 (e.g., a hard drive, flashmemory, or other suitable memory format) associated with the dockingassembly 10. The camera device 42 may be integrated into a the dockingassembly 10, but more preferably the camera device 42 is separate fromthe docking assembly 10 to permit the camera device 42 to be placed inany appropriate position for the desired end use. In one embodiment, thecamera device 42 comprises a wireless receiver for use with a wirelesscamera device (not shown), thus providing enhanced freedom in cameraplacement for the desired end use. The camera device 42 is preferablyadapted to output a compressed data format suitable for transmissionover a network, such as a conventional telephonic or cellular network,to enable video telephony. In a preferred embodiment, the output formatand/or data output rate of the camera device 42 is user-configurable toprovide an output appropriately tailored to the memory available,network limitations, and/or desired end use.

In one embodiment, a telephonic remote controller includes a camera(e.g., a video camera) and is adapted to send and receive video signals,with received video signals being displayable locally at the telephonicremote controller (e.g., the controller 150 illustrated in FIG. 3 andFIGS. 4A-4B) on the display element 152 to permit video telephony.Preferably, user inputs associated with the telephonic remote controllermay be used to enable audio and video reproduction via the local speaker166 plus local display element 152 and/or on the television-compatibledisplay element 5 that is associated with the audio and videoreproduction system 2 communicatively linked to a telephonic PDMSPdevice (e.g., the device 180) via the docking assembly 10.

The docking assembly 10 of FIG. 1 employs various elements requiringdirect current (DC) power, such as the microprocessor 45. To adapt thedocking assembly 10 for use with an alternating current (AC) powersource 35, a switching (e.g., rectified) power supply 36 (which ispreferably external to the docking assembly 10) is interposed betweenthe AC power source 35 and a power port 20 provided in the dockingassembly 10. In one embodiment, a DC power adapter (not shown) may besubstituted for the power supply 36 to adapt the docking assembly 10 toa DC power source such as may be present in an automobile, recreationalvehicle, airplane, or similar mobile environment having an audio andvideo reproduction system 2. Within the docking assembly, a powerdistribution bus 21 provides power at voltages and current levelsappropriate to various internal elements, as shown with dashed linesinternal to the docking assembly 10 in FIG. 1. Internal to the dockingassembly 10, at least one charging element 43 is provided to furnishpower at appropriate levels to power the PDMSP device 80 and wirelessremote controller device 50 and/or charge the batteries associated withthe devices 80, 50 when such devices 80, 50 are docked with the dockingassembly 10 via the at least one electrical coupling 12. The at leastone charging element 43 includes at least one electrically conductivecircuit element, with appropriate current transducers preferablyprovided to sense and permit regulation of current flow so as tominimize the possibility of overcharging the battery 81 associated withthe docked PDMSP device 80 and/or the battery 51 associated with theremote controller device 50. The charging element 43 and/or at least oneelectrical coupling 12 may further include an associated temperaturetransducer such as a thermistor or thermocouple (not shown) to providethermal feedback suitable for regulating electrical charge supplied tothe batteries 81, 51 of the docked device(s) 80, 50. In one embodiment,electrical charge is supplied to the docked PDMSP device 80 and/orremote controller device 50 at a first rate while such device batteries81, 51 are charging, and then supplied at a second, lower “maintenance”rate when such devices batteries 81, 51 are fully charged to power thedevices 80, 50 without overcharging their batteries 81, 51. When suchbatteries 81, 51 are fully charged, the charging element 43 may be usedto assist in powering the PDMSP device 80.

The docking assembly 10 may include various local user controls 17(e.g., disposed on a front, top, or other accessible surface of theassembly) adapted to control the docking assembly and/or certainfunctions of a PDMSP device 80 docked thereto. Examples of localcontrols include power buttons or switches, volume buttons, a modeselector button or switch (e.g., to permit a user to select between anyof various audio and video output modes, or between any of various audioor video output formats), and the like. Owing to the enhancedfunctionality provided by a wireless remote controller device 50,however, local controls 17 may be minimized in functionality oreliminated altogether if desired.

Local indication of basic functionality such as power on, dockingstatus, communication status, and the like may be provided with one ormore LEDs 16, which are preferably disposed on an outwardly visibleportion (e.g., the front surface) of the docking assembly 10. MultipleLEDs or a smaller number of multi-color LEDs may be employed to providedifferent status indications, if desired.

A primary function of the docking assembly 10 is to serve as anaudio/video interface between a PDMSP device 80 docked thereto and anaudio and video reproduction system 2 having a television-compatibledisplay element 5. Signals (e.g., audio signals, video signals, bothaudio and video signals, and/or other types of signals) may becommunicated between the PDMSP device and the microprocessor 45 of thedocking assembly 10 by way of the at least one electrical coupling 12.The microprocessor 45 preferably communicates with a video processor 46,a digital signal processor 48, and an amplifier 49. In turn, the videoprocessor 46 is communicatively coupled to at least one video port 32and preferably at least one audio/video port 33 coupleable to theaudio/video reproduction system 2. The digital signal processor 48(which may be used, for example, to add equalization and/or sound fieldeffects to an audio signal stream) communicates an audio stream to anamplifier 45 (internal to the docking assembly 10) adapted to adjust theoutput level of the audio signal to at least one audio port 30 and theaudio portion of at least one audio/video port 33 coupleable to theaudio/video reproduction system 2. The output signal level of theamplifier 49 is preferably responsive to a volume input signal, such asmay be received via the wireless remote receiver 14 from the wirelessremote controller 50, or received via the local user controls 17 (ifprovided). Various digital-to-analog signal converters (not shown) maybe integrated into any of the video processor 46, digital signalprocessor 48, and microprocessor 45, or provided downstream of suchcomponents, if desired to generate analog output signals from thedigital media signal provided by the PDMSP device 80. The microprocessor45 and/or video processor 46 may further be used to provide video formatconversion utility (e.g., from non-television-compatible formats totelevision-compatible formats) and to generate any desirable visualoutput signals (e.g., still images, video images, and/or computergenerated display applications such as screensavers, skins, and othervisualizations, whether or not synchronized or responsive to audioplayback) during the playback of a digital audio file stored in a dockedPDMSP device 80.

Each of the digital signal processor 48 and video processor 46 mayinclude general-purpose or specialty microprocessor chips. While FIG. 1illustrates the microprocessor 45 as intermediately disposed incommunication between the PDMSP device 80 on the one hand and the videoprocessor 46, digital signal processor 48, and amplifier 49 on theother, it is to be appreciated that communication paths independent ofthe microprocessor 45 (but preferably switchably controlled by themicroprocessor) may be provided between the PDMSP device 80 and any ofthe video processor 46, digital signal processor, and amplifier 49, ifdesired. Alternatively, any of the video processor 46 and the digitalsignal processor 48 may be integrated, in whole or in part, with the(central) microprocessor 45. The video processor 46 preferably has anassociated frame buffer adapted to store an image to be transmitted tothe at least one video port 32 and/or the at least one audio/video port33 for transmission to the audio and video reproduction system 2.

A PDMSP device 80 may communicate, through an interface connector (e.g.,the connector 190 illustrated in FIG. 2B), various types of signals toan accessory device, such as the docking assembly 10. Examples of suchsignal types may include, for example: (a) signals indicative of menucontents; (b) signals containing digital media file or digital mediafile key identifiers; (c) digital media file content; (d) controlsignals; (e) status signals, and so on. Such signals are typically notcommunicated through the interface connector by the PDMSP device 80 in atelevision-compatible form. As noted previously, signals communicatedwithin the PDMSP device 80 for display by the first display element 82are typically formatted for a special purpose first display element 82,and not for a television-compatible display element. Desirable functionsof the microprocessor 45 and/or video processor 46 within the dockingassembly 10 include processing signals received from the PDMSP device 80to yield television compatible (e.g., NTSC, PAL, various conventionalhigh definition television formats, or equivalent signal standards)signals communicable to a television-compatible display element 5through the at least one video port 32 and/or at least one audio/videoport 33. This may be accomplished, for example, by developingtelevision-compatible display menus, storing the same within the dockingassembly 10 (e.g., in the memory element 44), populating the displaymenus with digital signal data received from the PDMSP device 80, andproviding the populated display menus as a television-compatible signalto the at least one video port 32 and the at least one audio-video port33. With the PDMSP device 80 adapted to display an aggregate first setof information with first display element 82 when the device 80 is inuse, the docking assembly 10 (including the video processor 46) ispreferably adapted to generate a substantially complete replicate of thefirst set of information on the television-compatible display element 5when the PDMSP device 80 is docked with the docking assembly 10. Forexample, the docking assembly 10 and video processor 46 are preferablyadapted to output a television-compatible video signal containing any ofthe following: (1) count of any of playlists, artists, albums, genre,songs, and composers; (2) names of any of playlists, artists, albums,genre, songs, and composers; (3) current play status embodying any ofsong length, song position, and play/pause/stop status; and (4) currentsong status embodying any of song name, artist name, and album name.

Screen shots taken from a television-compatible display element showingpopulated menus output from a docking assembly according to the presentinvention and having a PDMSP device communicatively docked thereto areprovided in FIGS. 9A-9C. The first screen shot depicted in FIG. 9A showsa welcome menu in a central right portion of the screen, listing thefollowing user-selectable options: Menu, Shuffle Songs, Playlists, andHomeDock® Settings. It is noted that “HomeDock,” “HomeDock Deluxe,” and“DLO,” as depicted in FIG. 9A, are trademarks of Netalog, Inc. (Durham,N.C.). The second screen shot depicted in FIG. 9B shows a digital mediafile artist name, song title, album name, song play position, and songlength information in an upper portion of the screen, and a settingsmenu in a central right port of the screen. The setting menu includesthe following user-selectable options: Color Themes, Screen Savers,Screen Saver Time, and About HomeDock. The third screen shot depicted inFIG. 9C shows a music menu in a central right port of the screen, withthe music menus including the following user-selectable options:Playlists, Artists, Albums, Songs, Genres, Composers, and Songbooks. Ineach instance, the user-selectable options are selectable with a remotecontroller device, such as the devices 50, 150 described herein. Thescreen shots depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C are merely illustrative of certainmenus according to one embodiment of the invention. Various other menusand displays of static or dynamic information may be provided. In oneembodiment, at least a portion of a television-compatible displayelement 5 displays visual media such as album art, music videos,visualization patterns (whether or not synchronized to music playback),digital skins, or other user-selected images or videos simultaneous withplayback of digital music from a PDMSP device (e.g., PDMSP device 80 or180) docked with the docking assembly (e.g., docking assembly 10 or210). Such visual media may be stored on the PDMSP device itself, storedin a memory 44 associated with the docking assembly 10, or automaticallyretrieved over a network (e.g., network 19 or 40) upon initiation ofplayback of an audio file. In one embodiment, the displayable visualmedia includes a list of digital media files selectable for retrieval ordownload, such as for a fee. In further embodiments, the displayablevisual media may include other subscription-based media, commercialprogramming, or commercial (e.g., product or service) offerings.

Display menus in television-compatible form generated or otherwiseprovided by the docking assembly 10 may be substantially static incharacter with substantially still images (e.g., with the exception ofaudio file playback time or time remaining), or the display menus mayinclude dynamic images, such as to prevent burn-in of a screen image, orto display images (such as digital “skins”) selected for visualizationwith playback of a digital audio file. Alternatively, one or moredigital photographic images embodying still pictures, digital videoimages embodying moving pictures, computer-generated displayapplications (e.g., screensavers, skins, other visualizations, and/orgames) stored on the PDMSP device 80 may be displayed through the seconddisplay element 5 when the PDMSP is communicatively docked with thedocking assembly 10. In still another alternative embodiment, digitalimages, digital video images, and/or computer-generated displayapplications may be stored in a docking assembly (e.g., in memoryelement 44 illustrated in FIG. 1) according to the present invention forplayback on a television-compatible display element communicativelyconnected to the docking assembly.

At least one video signal output from the docking assembly 10 ispreferably digital, although digital-to-analog signal conversion may beperformed as part of processing video signals as appropriate to thedesired output format. Audio signals emanating from the PDMSP device 80,whether such signals are in substantially unaltered or processed (e.g.,by way of the digital signal processor 48 and/or any digital-to-analogconverters) form, are further communicated to the at least one audioport 30 and the at least one audio/video port 33.

Each of the at least one audio port 30, the at least one video port 32,and the at least one audio/video port 33 preferably includes multipleconnectors to provide an appropriate level of fidelity and compatibilitywith various external devices in a given user's audio and videoreproduction system 2. Examples of suitable connectors include, but arenot limited to, fiber optic connectors, coaxial connectors, RG-6 coaxialconnectors, RCA plug connectors, S-video connectors, composite videoconnectors, Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors, High DefinitionMultimedia Interface (HDMI™) connectors, SCART connectors, UnifiedDisplay Interface connectors, and DisplayPort connectors. Audio andvideo signals may be conveyed via discrete connectors, or integratedinto multi-function connectors (e.g., High Definition MultimediaInterface), as desired. Multiple connectors may be enabledsimultaneously, such as to permit multiple audio amplifiers 4 andmultiple television compatible display elements 5 to receive signalssimultaneously from PDMSP device 80 via the docking assembly 10. In oneembodiment, an audio output port is adapted to communicate a line-levelanalog signal to the external audio amplifier 4.

Two views of a telephonic PDMSP device 180 are illustrated in FIGS.2A-2B. The term “telephonic” in this context refers to the ability ofthe device 180 to execute any of various conventional portable telephonefunctions such as sending or receiving telephone calls, sending orreceiving data such as email or text messages, connecting to wirelessdata networks, and the like. The PDMSP device 180 includes a firstdisplay element 182, such as a LCD display, a speaker 186, a microphone188, and various controls 183, 184, 185A-185D, 188, 189. Such controls183, 184, 185A-185D, 188, 189 may include, for example, a scroll wheel183 or similar versatile multi-position element, a ‘select’ button 184,a ‘menu’ button 185A, a ‘return or previous file’ button 185B, an‘advance or next file’ button, a play/pause button 185D, and a standard12-button telephonic keypad 189. If desired, the display 182 maycomprise a touch-screen display to provide further user input utility.The telephonic PDMSP device 180 further includes a connector port 190for receiving an appropriate electrical coupling connector adapted forcharging and/or signal transmission, such as the at least one electricalcoupling 12 associated with the docking assembly 10 (or the electricalcoupling 212A.associated with the docking assembly 210A as illustratedin FIG. 5). The telephonic PDMSP device 180 preferably includes othercomponents (not illustrated herewith) typically provided in eitherconventional standard telephonic devices and/or conventional digitalmedia storage and playback devices, such as a battery, a microprocessor,a telephone transceiver, an antenna, a memory, and the like. Thetelephonic PDMSP device 180 is preferably adapted to send and/or receiveportable digital media files via a telephonic data network.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a wireless remote controller device150 for use with a docking assembly (e.g., docking assembly 10illustrated in FIG. 1, or assembly 210 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7) adaptedto receive a telephonic PDMSP device (such as the telephonic PDMSPdevice 180 illustrated in FIG. 5), with the remote controller device 150including telephonic relay utility and remote control utility to enhancethe functionality of the telephonic PDMSP device 180. The remotecontroller device 150 preferably includes a microprocessor 155 having anassociated memory 164 and adapted to execute a pre-defined instructionset. The remote controller device 150 includes a battery 151 (orequivalent charge storage element) suitable to supply electrical powerto various power-consuming elements within the device 150. A chargingelement 163 preferably includes at least one electrical contact (such asthe contacts 162 shown in FIG. 4B for mating with corresponding contactsof a docking assembly) and any suitable electrical circuit element(s) tofurnish power at appropriate levels to charge the battery 151 and/or topower directly any of various power-consuming elements within thecontroller 150. The charging element 163 is perfectly controlled by themicroprocessor 155, and a temperature sensor 161 may be provided toprovide a thermal feedback signal in order to avoid overcharging. Acurrent sensing element (not shown) is preferably provided to furthermonitor current supplied to the battery 151 or any other element withinthe device 150 to minimize excess current or overcharging. Asillustrated, the remote controller 150 includes raised portions 169A,169B along a rear surface thereof to register with corresponding lateralrecess portions 269A, 269B disposed along one edge of a cavity or recess272 in a docking assembly 210 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) and adapted toreceive the remote controller 150

To provide telephonic relay utility, the remote controller device 150may include an integrated telephone relay transceiver 158 (or,alternatively, a telephone relay transmitter and a separate telephonerelay receiver), a speaker 166, and a microphone 168. Audio input/outputfunctions may be managed by an audio input/output element 160 interposedbetween the telephonic transceiver 158 and the speaker 166 andmicrophone. An audio amplifier 167 is preferably associated with thespeaker 166 to provide an appropriate audio output level. The telephonerelay transceiver 158 is preferably adapted to communicate with awireless telephone transceiver (e.g., the telephone transceiver 18illustrated in FIG. 1) associated with a docking assembly 10 (asillustrated in FIG. 1).

To provide remote control utility, the remote control device 150includes a remote control transmitter 154 preferably having amicroprocessor and various user inputs 157 (such as buttons, touchscreens, scroll wheel elements, or the like) in communication with themicroprocessor 155 to control remote control and/or telephone functions.A speech recognition element 161, preferably in communication with themicroprocessor 155 and memory 164, may be provided to recognize vocalinputs and generate command signals transmissible to the dockingassembly 10 either via the remote control transmitter 10 or thetelephone transceiver 158. The speech recognition element 161 preferablyincludes a processor and a software routine operable with the processorand a memory (e.g., the memory element 164). If desired, the speechrecognition element may be substantially integrated into themicroprocessor 155. In an alternative embodiment, the speech recognitionelement 161 may be provided in a docking assembly (e.g., the dockingassembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1) rather than provided in the remotecontroller 150, such that voice signals are communicated from thetelephonic remote controller 150 to the docking assembly and thenanalyzed in the docking assembly to recognize specific vocal inputs andgenerate appropriate command signals.

The remote controller 150 preferably includes an integrated display 152and an associated backlight 152A. Such display may be used for variousfunctions, including: display of caller identification signals; displayof a video portion of a video telephony signal; providing visibleincoming or received communication notification; providing text data;and providing visible indication or identification of any of: inputsignals (e.g., telephone numbers or remote control commands) entered bya user, call time, signal strength, battery life, telephone mode,telephone settings, controller mode, controller settings, calls missed,calls received, calls made, contact information, accumulated monetarycharges (e.g., for telephone use or digital media purchases), debitsremaining, diagnostic signals, and so on.

The remote controller 150 may further include an interface element 159,preferably including a connector adapted to mate with at least oneelectrical coupling 12 of the docking assembly 10, or to mate with anexternal device such as a personal computer (not shown) to permitprogrammatic updates of software associated with the remote controller150, or to permit troubleshooting. In one embodiment, the interfaceelement 159 is adapted to engage a connector associated with a videogame controller device (not shown), such as a gamepad or joystick, tofacilitate wireless control of a video game stored in a PDMSP device,with audio and video reproduction of the game play being providedthrough an audio and video reproduction system (e.g., the system 2illustrated in FIG. 1) communicatively coupled to the docking assembly.In one embodiment, the interface element 159 includes a USB connector.The interface element 159 may further include any necessary circuitry toenable communication with the microprocessor 155 (or any otherappropriate internal element) of the remote controller 150.

In another embodiment utilizing a telephonic remote controller 150, adocking assembly 10 (as illustrated in FIG. 1) receives a telephonicsignal (e.g., a conventional telephone signal or Voice Over InternetProtocol telephonic signal) independent of any PDMSP device, via any ofthe wireless network transceiver 19, the network port 24, or a wiredtelephone input port (not shown) operable with a conventional telephoneline, and the telephonic remote controller 150 is adapted to receivesuch telephonic signal and provide a compatible output signal. In thismanner, the telephonic remote controller 150 may serve as a multi-linetelephone transceiver in communicating telephonically with one telephonesignal routed through a telephonic PDMSP device (e.g., PDMSP device 180)to function as a telephone relay receiver, and in communicatingtelephonically with another telephone signal made available to thedocking assembly 10 to function as a conventional cordless telephone.Incoming communication signals may be routed automatically to the remotecontroller 150. In case one communication is in progress and an incomingcommunication signal is received, switching between telephone lines maybe performed via the remote controller 150 with any of the user inputs157 (e.g., inputs 157A-157I illustrated in FIG. 4A).

Front and bottom external views of a telephonic remote controller device150 according to one embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B,respectively. The remote controller device 150 includes a displayelement 152 (e.g., a LCD or LED display) suitable for displayingalphanumeric characters. In another embodiment (not shown), a displayelement adapted to further display still or video images in addition toalphanumeric characters may be provided. The remote controller device150 includes a speaker 166 and a microphone or speech transducer 168. AnLED 156, such as a multi-color LED, is preferably provided forcommunication (e.g., incoming call) notification. Vibratorycommunication notification may be provided via a vibratory element (notshown) within the remote controller 150. A twelve-key telephonic keypad157X is preferably provided to readily permit telephone dialing and textmessaging, if desired. The keypad 157X is preferably also enabled forremote control of an associated docking assembly for a PDMSP device.Various additional control keys 157A-1571 are preferably provided tocontrol various functions associated with the docking assembly, dockedPDMSP device, associated network (e.g., to select digital media filesand authorize their purchase or download by the user), and/or componentsassociated with the audio and video reproduction system 2. Suchcontrollable functions may include, without limitation, the followingillustrative examples: media source, media identification, playlistidentification, media selection, playback speed, playback volume,operating mode, output mode, telephone operation, and so on. Variousfunctions may be controlled with the aid of “on screen” menusdisplayable on the local display 152 and/or (more preferably), menusdisplayable on the television-compatible second display element 5.

FIGS. 5-6 provide perspective and side elevation views, respectively, ofa docking assembly 210 operable with the PDMSP device 180 of FIGS. 2A-2Band the telephonic remote controller device 150 of FIGS. 4A-4B. Thedocking assembly 210 may include any of the various elements illustratedand described previously herein in connection with the docking assembly10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The docking assembly 210 includes a unitarybody structure 210A having a front surface 211A, back surface 211B, topsurface 211C, bottom surface 211D, and side surfaces 211E, 211F. Awireless remote receiver 214 is preferably disposed on the front surface211A of the body structure 210A to facilitate unobstructed communicationwith the wireless remote controller 150. Further disposed on the frontsurface 211A is at least one LED 216 to provide a user with visibleindication of events such as power on, signal received, docking status,and so on. The at least one LED 216 may include at least one multicolorLED to communicate various information based on output color, and/or aplurality of different LEDs. Various ports (e.g., audio port 230A) arepreferably provided on the back surface 211B to minimize the outwardappearance of clutter, assuming that the front surface 211A is facingforward.

The docking assembly 210 includes a raised surface portion 271 having anupwardly-protruding electrical coupling 212A adapted to mate with anassociated connector 190 of a PDMSP device 180 (such as illustrated inFIG. 2B). Each of the coupling 212A and connector 190 preferablyincludes a plurality of electrical contacts, sufficient to communicatepower or charging current and low-power signals, such as command signalsand signals representative of digital media content. Disposed behind theraised surface portion 271 is a reclined support element 275 havingcorner braces 277 to promote structural rigidity. The front-to-backposition of the support element 275 may be adjusted by sliding ahorizontal portion 274 of the support element 275 within a recess ortrack 273 and actuating a set screw 274A to lock the support element 275in a desired position. The support element 275, or at least a frontsurface 275A thereof, preferably includes a non-slip cushion element276, such as may be fabricated of silicon rubber or another suitablenon-slip material. Providing the coupling 212A on a raised surfaceportion 271 adjacent to the adjustable support element 275 permits thefixed coupling 212 to work with a variety of PDMSP devices of varioussizes and in (e.g., thicknesses) so long as each PDMSP device has aconnector 190 compatible with the coupling 212. In an alternativeembodiment, the coupling 212A may be disposed substantially within arecess (not shown) that is substituted for the raised surface portion271 and is adapted to receive and retain a PDMSP device.

The docking assembly 210 further includes a recess 272 adapted toreceive at least a portion of the wireless remote controller 150illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B. Disposed along a bottom surface of therecess are electrical contacts 212B, such as may be used to communicatepowering or charging current to the remote controller 150 viacorresponding contacts 162 disposed along a bottom surface of thecontroller 150. The recess 272 may further include a multi-contactelectrical coupling (not shown) adapted to mate with the connector 159of the remote controller device 150 to exchange communication signals(e.g., for troubleshooting, reprogramming, frequency synchronization, orother desirable functions) between the remote controller 150 and thedocking assembly 210 when the remote controller 150 is docked thereto.The recess 272 further includes lateral recess portions 269A, 269Bdisposed along a rear edge of the recess 272, with such lateral recessportions 269A, 269B adapted to receive corresponding raised portions169A, 169B of the remote controller 150 to prevent mis-insertion of theremote controller 150 into the recess 270.

FIG. 7 provides a front view of the docking assembly 210 of FIGS. 5-6having docked thereto the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice 180 of FIGS. 2A-2B and the telephonic remote controller device150 of FIGS. 4A-4B. When docked to the docking assembly 210, a battery(e.g., battery 151 illustrated in FIG. 3) associated with the remotecontroller 150 is preferably charged via the passage of electricalcurrent through the charging element 163 as received from the matedcontacts 162, 212B. Likewise, when docked to the assembly 210, the PDMSPdevice 180 preferably receives electrical current to power the device180 and/or charge an associated PDMSP device battery 81 (as illustratedin FIG. 1) In operation of the docking assembly 210 with docked PDMSPdevice 180, the remote controller device 150 is separated from theassembly and used to wirelessly control any of various functions (e.g.,associated with the docking assembly 210, PDMSP device 180, and/or anaudio and video reproduction system 2 as illustrated in FIG. 1), toprovide telephonic relay or primary telephonic utility, or to provideany other functionality as described herein.

One way to ensure or regulate interoperability between an accessorydevice (such as a multi-function docking assembly) and a PDMSP device isthrough the use of authentication technology. In a preferred embodiment,a docking assembly and a PDMSP device each include an authenticationelement, such as an integrated circuit, adapted to communicate with oneanother to execute an authentication scheme employed at least the firsttime that the accessory device is connected to the PDMSP device, withsuccessful authentication being a prerequisite for the transfer of anysubstantive content or control signals between the PDMSP and theaccessory device. Preferably, a challenge and response-basedauthentication scheme is employed.

Examples of integrated circuits that may be used to provide or easilyadapted to provide such functionality include: the Texas InstrumentsBQ26150-family of ICs (including models BQ26150DCKR and BQ26150DCKRG4)(Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, Tex.); the Dallas Semiconductor/MaximDS2703-family of ICs (including models DS2703U and DS2703U+)(MaximIntegrated Products, Sunnyvale, Calif.); and the Intersil ISL6296 familyof ICs (Intersil Corp., Milpitas, Calif.).

FIG. 8 provides a block diagram of a preferred coupled combination of aPDMSP device 380 and a remotely controllable docking assembly 310adapted to provide authentication utility. The docking assembly 310includes at least one electrical interface coupling (e.g., coupling 12illustrated in FIG. 1) that mates with a corresponding at least oneelectrical connector (e.g., connector 190 illustrated in FIG. 2B)associated with the PDMSP device.

A PDMSP device (such as the devices 80, 180 described hereinabove)preferably includes a central processing unit (CPU), such as a complexinstruction set computer microcontroller (not shown) that interfaceswith various other components, various user input elements, and a datastorage element (not shown) typically including any of a rotating disc(hard drive or microdrive) and flash memory to store various media filesin addition to other data files and/or executable programs. Anauthentication element, such as an authentication integrated circuit, ispreferably communicatively coupled with the connector 190 (as shown inFIG. 2B), whether directly or through the CPU. If desired, anauthentication element may be integrated with the CPU of a PDMSP device.Such an authentication element may be used to authenticate (e.g.,validate to enable communication or other interoperability) an accessorydevice such as a docking assembly for use with the PDMSP device.

Preferably, an authorization element comprises an integrated circuit anda memory, with the memory preferably including both a public memory forstoring unencrypted communicable information and secret or encryptedinformation. An authorization element is preferably reprogrammable, suchas by way of connection to a data exchange connector (e.g., connectors159 or 190 as described hereinabove) that may be linked to anappropriate device such as a personal computer or PDA to accomplishreprogramming functions if desired. Such reprogramming utility may bedesirable, for example, to enable use of a docking assembly with newlyreleased or updated PDMSP devices having potentially new and differentauthentication data or authentication schemes.

FIG. 8 provides a functional block diagram for a basic challenge andresponse-based authentication scheme that may be utilized by and betweena remote controlled docking assembly 310 and a PDMSP device 380, eachhaving an associated authentication element 313, 395. In a basicchallenge and response scheme, the “host” or “challenger” (e.g.,authentication element 395 associated with the PDMSP device 410) sends arandom challenge to the “responder” (e.g., authentication element 313associated with the docking assembly 310) upon initial connectionbetween the two. A random challenge may consist of a number of bits ofrandom data generated by the host. Each authentication element 313, 395preferably includes a memory for storing certain authenticationinformation, with the memory of at least the docking assemblyauthentication element 313 preferably being reprogrammable. The memoryof each authentication element 313, 395 preferably includes both aprivate memory (e.g., for including unencrypted information and/or asecret key that is preferably not subject to transmission) and a publicmemory (e.g., for including encrypted information and/or a public key,unique device ID, or other less sensitive information). Using storedinformation, the responder 313 processes the host-transmitted challengeinformation (e.g., by performing an authentication transform orcomputation, preferably utilizing the secret key or some informationderived therefrom such as a public key) to produce a response string fortransmission back to the host 395. On the other side, the host 395performs the same authentication transform using stored information, orsome combination of stored information and information communicated bythe responder (e.g., an encrypted key passed by the responder 313). Theresult compares the transform value computed by the host 395 against theresponse (transform value) obtained from the responder 313. If thecalculated data from the responder matches the answer calculated by thehost, then the host authenticates the responder and allows the PDMSPdevice and the accessory device to start operation and/or substantivecommunication. Otherwise, the authentication fails, and theauthentication element (either alone or in with the aid of amicroprocessor) may inhibit operation of the interconnected PDMSP device380 and docking assembly 310 and provide a warning signal to the user,e.g., through a display element associated with the PDMSP device 380,through a display element connected with the docking assembly 310,and/or a LED (not shown) provided on the docking assembly 310.

In one embodiment, a challenge-and-response authentication scheme mayutilize cyclic redundancy check (CRC) in an authentication transform.Challenges and keys of various bit lengths may be used. In oneembodiment, a 32-bit random challenge and 96-bit secret ID are used inconjunction with a random polynomial and 16-bit seed value to generate a16-bit CRC response. A unique CRC polynomial, CRC seed, and device IDvalue may be used in each device. Such values may be stored as encryptedtext in public memory and unencrypted (plain) text in private memory,such that only a host system can decrypt the polynomial, seed, and IDvalues using a stored secret key. To authenticate a responder, the hostreads the encrypted device ID, polynomial, and seed values from publicmemory, decrypts these values using a secret key, and then generates a(e.g., 32-bit) random challenge. The random challenge is transmitted tothe responder, which uses challenge information from the host along withthe plain-text version of polynomial coefficients, seed, and device IDto calculate the authentication CRC value. The host uses the polynomialcoefficients, seed, and device ID that it decrypted, along with therandom challenge that it sent to the responder to calculate theauthentication CRC value. The responder authentication CRC value may betransmitted back to the host where the two authentication CRC values arecompared, with a match serving to authenticate the responder andinitiate system operation and/or substantive communication.

In another embodiment, a challenge-and-response authentication schememay utilize an iterative hashing algorithm such as the SHA-1/HMAC securehash algorithm, which has been widely used for authentication ofInternet transactions. The authentication method is similar to aCRC-based scheme except it utilizes a different algorithm. The hostreads a (e.g., 128-bit) encrypted device ID from the public memory anddecrypts those values using the secret key to yield plain-textinformation with root keys. Then it generates a (e.g., 160-bit) randomchallenge that is transmitted to the responder, which uses theplain-text version of the ID along with the random challenge tocalculate an authentication digest value. The host uses the decrypted IDand the same random challenge to calculate its own authentication digestvalue. When both digest values have been calculated, the host reads theauthentication digest value from the responder and compares that valueto its own authentication digest value. If a match is obtained, then theresponder is authenticated and system operation and/or substantivecommunication may be initiated.

In one embodiment, an authentication element employs the Secure HashAlgorithm (SHA-1) specified in the Federal Information ProcessingStandards Publication Numbers 180-1 and 180-2, and ISO/IEC 10118-3. Anauthentication IC embedded in the accessory device processes a hosttransmitted challenge using a stored secret key and unique ROM ID toproduce a response word for transmission back to the host. The secretkey is securely stored on-chip and never transmitted between the batteryand the host. If each of the secret key and the ROM ID includes 64 bits,then in a preferred embodiment the response may include 160 bits.

Remotely controllable docking assemblies as described herein for usewith PDMSP devices enable various novel methods, including, for example,methods for downloading or otherwise obtaining digital media, andmethods for creating or modifying digital media playlists.

In one embodiment, digital media files or digital media file keys may bedownloaded or transferred using a remotely controlled docking assemblyas described herein to which a PDMSP device is docked. The term “digitalmedia file key” as used herein refers to any code, script, data file, orthe like adapted to make readable (whether temporarily or permanently)an otherwise unreadable (e.g., encrypted) digital media file. Forexample, a digital media file including copyrighted content may beencrypted by the creator or distributor to deter copying, with digitalmedia file keys being distributed to consumers for a subscription orother fee to enable encrypted digital media files to be read. Such ascheme employing digital media file keys is amenable to rapid orfrequent updates by the copyright holder to better maintain control overcopyrighted works. Furthermore, it permits encrypted files to bedistributed via a variety of sources, such as the Internet and/or othernetworks, to maximize availability to potential buyers, and enablesencrypted files to be cached in local high-speed data repositories tofacilitate rapid user downloads.

FIG. 10 provides a flowchart of a method for selecting and downloadingdigital media files or digital media file keys employing a remotelycontrollable docking assembly as described herein and a PDMSP devicedocked thereto. The method 400 includes multiple illustrative steps. Afirst step 402 includes communicatively coupling, via a remotelycontrollable docking assembly, a portable digital media storage andplayback device having a first display element with an audio and videoreproduction system having a television-compatible second displayelement. A second step 404 includes establishing a connection to a mediasource such as a network (e.g., the Internet, World Wide Web, digitalcable (television) network, telephonic network, or other media network).A third step 406 includes displaying on the second display elementinformation indicative of at least one digital media file and/or digitalmedia file key obtainable from the media source. Such information mayinclude title, artist, producer, label, distributor, genre, costinformation, and the like. A fourth step 408 includes selecting, usingthe remote controller (preferably a wireless remote controller, althougha wired remote controller may be used), a digital media file and/ordigital media file key for download or transfer to the portable digitalmedia storage and playback device. A fifth step 410 includes authorizinga financial obligation or financial transfer using the remotecontroller, in exchange for download or transfer of a digital media fileand/or digital media file key. Such step may include initiatingcommunication of confidential information, such as information enablingbilling to or debiting from a financial or commercial account. Anoptional intermediate step includes utilizing the remote controller toinitiate previewing (i.e., playback) of one or more portions of adigital media file on the audio and video reproduction systemcommunicatively coupled to the docking assembly prior to the purchaseauthorization step. In another embodiment, the user can employ theremotely controlled docking assembly to initiate transfer of a digitalmedia file from the docked PDMSP device to a remote device via anetwork. Digital media files subject to download or transfer accordingto the foregoing method steps include audio files, image files, videofiles, text files, skins, interactive games, and the like. Utilizing adocking assembly and remote controller as described herein and employingthe foregoing method steps, a user can download or otherwise transferdigital media files to and from a PDMSP device without requiring apersonal computer as the primary PDMSP device interface.

FIG. 11 provides a flowchart of a method for creating or modifyingplaylists for use with a PDMSP device utilizing a remotely controlleddocking assembly as described herein. The method 450 includes multipleillustrative steps. A first step 452 includes communicatively coupling,via a remotely controllable docking assembly, a portable digital mediastorage and playback device having a first display element with an audioand video reproduction system having a television-compatible seconddisplay element. A second step 454 includes creating or retrieving aplaylist using a remote controller (preferably a wireless remotecontroller, although a wired remote controller may be used), withinformation indicative of the created or retrieved playlist displayed onthe second display element. A third step 456 includes displayinginformation indicative of at least one digital media file stored on theportable digital media storage and playback device on the second displayelement. A fourth step 458 includes selecting for addition to ordeletion from the created or retrieved playlist the at least one digitalmedia file using the remote controller. A fifth step 460 includesselecting for storage on the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice and/or a memory associated with the remotely controllable dockingassembly the modified playlist. In this manner, a user can manageplaylists in comfort without requiring a personal computer as a primaryinterface for the PDMSP device.

Remotely controllable docking assemblies as described herein for PDMSPdevices thus provide substantial utility to users by expanding theentertainment capabilities of PDMSP devices beyond personal enjoyment,and minimize the need to rely on a personal computer for primary PDMSPdevice interface.

While the invention has been described herein with respect to variousillustrative aspects, features and embodiments, it will be recognizedthat the invention is not thus limited, but that the present inventionextends to and encompasses other features, modifications, andalternative embodiments, as will readily suggest themselves to those ofordinary skill in the art based on the disclosure and illustrativeteachings herein. The claims that follow are therefore to be construedand interpreted as including all such features, modifications andalternative embodiments, within their spirit and scope.

1. A method comprising the steps of: communicatively coupling, via aremotely controllable docking assembly, (1) a portable digital mediastorage and playback device having a first display element, with (2) anaudio and video reproduction system having a television-compatiblesecond display element and a first audio amplifier adapted to drive atleast one speaker, wherein the docking assembly comprises (i) a videooutput port adapted to communicate a television-compatible video signalto the second display element, and (ii) a video processor adapted tocommunicate to the video output port a television-compatible videosignal indicative of a signal received from the portable digital mediastorage and playback device for display by the second display element,and wherein the docking assembly has an associated remote controller;displaying on the second display element information indicative of atleast one digital media file; selecting for addition to, or deletionfrom, a first playlist the at least one digital media file using theremote controller.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof creating or retrieving the first playlist using the remotecontroller.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote controllercomprises a wireless remote controller.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of initiating storage of the first playlistin the portable digital media storage and playback device using theremote controller.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof initiating storage of the first playlist in a memory associated withthe docking assembly using the remote controller.
 6. The method of claim1, further comprising the step of authenticating the docking assemblyfor communication with the portable digital media storage and playbackdevice.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the docking assemblyand the portable digital media storage and playback device includes anauthentication element comprising an integrated circuit, and eachintegrated circuit is utilized in the authentication step.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the authentication step employs a challenge andresponse authentication scheme.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one step selected from (1) powering the portabledigital media storage and playback device, and (2) charging a batteryassociated with the portable digital media storage and playback device,wherein the at least one step is performed while the portable digitalmedia storage and playback device is communicatively coupled with anaudio and video reproduction system via the remotely controllabledocking assembly.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof employing the remote controller to initiate sequential playback andreproduction, through the audio and video reproduction system, of aplurality of digital media files identified in the first playlist. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of digital media filescomprises a plurality of digital video files.
 12. A kit, comprising aremotely controllable docking assembly and a remote controller, adaptedto perform the method of claim
 1. 13. An entertainment system comprisingthe kit of claim 12 and the audio and video reproduction system.
 14. Anentertainment system comprising the kit of claim 12 and the portabledigital media storage and playback device.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein the second display element comprises any of a television, a CRTmonitor, a LCD monitor, a plasma monitor, a projection monitor, and adigital projector.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein any of the firstaudio amplifier and the at least one speaker is integrated with thetelevision-compatible second display element.